clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Giants Training Camp 2014: Thursday practice roundup

By Mike Fiammetta
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, pictured here during Tuesday's training camp, is one of eight offseason acquisitions named starters on the Giants' first depth chart of the season.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, pictured here during Tuesday's training camp, is one of eight offseason acquisitions named starters on the Giants' first depth chart of the season.
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants concluded the third day of training camp on Thursday, fortunately bringing fewer injuries and yet another look into how the offense might look under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Check out the tweets below for a glimpse into everything that happened in the Meadowlands on Day 3.

The new offense

Get the gist yet? The West Coast approach favored by McAdoo will limit the deep passing attack favored by Kevin Gilbride, instead focusing on shorter, quicker throws. That aspect of speed and timing is particularly intriguing; it will be fascinating to see how Eli Manning responds to more no-huddle and faster-paced looks. Perhaps we'll see more of that "clutch (*groan*), two-minute drill Manning.

One thing that will certainly help Manning and the rest of the offense is a healthy, productive Odell Beckham Jr. The first-round draft pick has been sidelined by a sore hamstring issue. As you'd expect, Tom Coughlin isn't happy.

That marks a second straight day of grumpy Coughlin quotes regarding Beckham, and you can hardly tell the difference between those and Wednesday's.

"Who knows how long. You talk about hamstrings," said an obviously disappointed Coughlin. "Don't ask me. I have no idea."

One more thing that would bode well for the success of the new offense? A breakout contributor among a group of underwhelming-on-paper tight ends.

Yep, that's right. The first Giants depth chart of the spring was released Thursday...

Depth chart observations

Here it is. Ed's working on a more in-depth look at it, so without stealing his spotlight, here are some surprises:

  • Yes, Donnell is listed as the No. 1 tight end. Yes, Robinsin is No. 5. In between them, in order, are Daniel Fells, undrafted free agent Xavier Grimble and Kellen Davis. Robinson and Davis both share the "Other" column that comes after the third team. It's still only July, but it's nice to see Davis get some props from Coughlin (a moderate amount, at least). It's also somewhat troubling to see Robinson listed so low entering his third year in the NFL.
  • Devon Kennard is the lone rookie starter. The fifth-round draft pick is listed as the starting strong-side linebacker in place of the injured Jon Beason and joins Jameel McClain (middle) Jacquian Williams (weak-side) as the other starting linebackers.
  • Kudos to Giants.com's Dan Salomone for pointing this out: eight offseason acquisitions are among the 28 starters (counting special teams): left guard Geoff Schwartz, center J.D. Walton, running back Rashad Jennings, Kennard, McClain, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, kick returner Quintin Demps and punt returner Trindon Holliday.
  • David Wilson, back in action is listed as the No. 2 running back behind Jennings. Peyton Hillis is listed third, while Andre Williams, Kendall Gaskins and Michael Cox are all lumped in the "Other" column. I still have high hopes for Williams. Perhaps he won't gain significant playing time as a rookie, but I think his skill set will make him a solid NFL back before long.

Jason Pierre-Paul contract stuff

How's this for an unsettling quote?

Sure, JPP is coming off a disappointing, injury-shortened season. But now we have his contract status lingering as his free agency approaches next March. At least he says he's stronger and feeling 110 percent. Here's his full quote, too:

"I'm not going to lie. Seeing [Justin] Tuck go, it's on my mind a little bit," Pierre-Paul said about his contract situation Thursday morning. "But honestly, I think I'm going to be here next year, because I know how I play and what kind of game I bring when I'm on the field. And I'm pretty sure everybody around here knows it, too."

Next Up In New York Giants News